Can you snorkel for free in Key Largo?
Your only option for shore snorkeling in the area is the state park, but it is not free or very good. Overall Key Largo snorkeling is much better than the Key West area. But generally there are more spectacular snorkel spots in the Keys between Key Largo and Key West, what we call the Middle Keys. Explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys with a family snorkeling adventure. A perfect place to snorkel in the Keys is off the coast of Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States.Answer: Key West has the best snorkeling of the Florida Keys. While all of the Florida Keys offer incredible underwater adventures, Key West stands out as the ultimate snorkeling destination thanks to its easy access to the Florida Keys Reef Tract, the third-largest living coral barrier reef in the world.The only Key Largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in Pennekamp Park. The beaches access an enclosed bay that has a sea grass bottom and is surrounded by mangroves.Key Largo is renowned for its stunning snorkeling opportunities, attracting snorkelers from around the world. The main reason why Key Largo stands out as a top snorkeling destination is its unique location.The beach in the Florida Keys renowned for having the clearest water is Sombrero Beach in Marathon. This beautiful beach is famous for its turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling conditions, making it a favorite spot for both relaxation and underwater exploration.
Where is the best free snorkeling in Key West?
Where is the best free snorkeling in Key West? For free snorkeling, Fort Zachary Taylor and Higgs Beach are excellent options. At Higgs Beach, the remnants of an old pier create an artificial reef where you can spot small fish and crabs. DIY Snorkel by the Beach If the weather is good and the water is clear, snorkeling can also be done right from the shore. Two places in Key West offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.Best Key for Snorkelers & Scuba Divers: Key Largo However, I have found the snorkeling and scuba diving to be much better in Key Largo. While there are certainly places to snorkel and scuba dive in Key West, they are much less impressive than the waters of Key Largo (in my opinion)!Step 4 – Visit a sandy beach with shallow calm waters for your first snorkelling adventure. For their first snorkelling trip, you’ll want to find a great place that has a sandy beach. Along with shallow calm waters so that you can walk easily walk into the sea.Snorkelers can head right off the beach and into the underwater habitats the Keys are famous for. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent some directly from the park.
Where is the best place to snorkel in Key Largo?
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit for any snorkeler in Key Largo. As the first underwater park in the United States, it boasts an impressive 70 nautical square miles of protected marine habitat. Far Beach – perfect for a quiet meditation. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has a $5 entrance fee but once you’re in, you can enjoy two of Key Largo’s best and most well-protected beaches. It also offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs.
What is the best time of year for shark diving?
Practical Information. Diving Season: Year-round, but the best shark sightings are from May to October. Water Temperature: As low as 64F (18C) over the winter. Timing is everything when planning your visit to Sharks Cove. The summer months, from May to September, are ideal for snorkeling due to calmer waters and better visibility. Avoid visiting during winter, as the surf can be rough, making snorkeling unsafe.
Is snorkeling safe in Key Largo?
Snorkeling in Key Largo is world class because the waters are protected by both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Famous snorkeling sites include the Christ of the Abyss Statue and Molasses Reef. The waters off Key Largo are known for stands of elkhorn and large mounds of star and brain corals. These reefs have served as an example of marine protected areas for decades.The island is accessible via the Overseas Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding waters. Key Largo is known for its marine life and is often referred to as the ‘Diving Capital of the World.